The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his selection of Board members for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), describing the appointments as an exemplary alignment of competence and capacity.
President Tinubu unveiled the SEDC Board on Friday, appointing Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman and Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects, among other notable figures.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, praised the administration for recognizing the importance of the Commission by appointing individuals of exceptional merit and experience.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to the South-East Development Commission, as evidenced by the high calibre of people chosen for its Board. These appointees are respected Igbo professionals with proven records of success in both public and private sectors,” Okwu stated.
Highlighting key members of the Board, Okwu described Dr. Emeka Nworgu, CON, as a seasoned leader who previously served as chairman of Abia South Local Government Area, political adviser to a former governor of Abia State, and a two-term minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. “His outstanding performance in these roles makes him an excellent choice for this position,” he said.
He also praised Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, the new Executive Director of Projects, as a former National Assembly member renowned for his commitment to infrastructural development and human empowerment. “Known as ‘Mr. Project,’ he played a pivotal role in advancing the Second Niger Bridge, the rehabilitation of the Abuja–Kano Federal Highway, and the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway during his tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Deputy Minority Leader,” Okwu noted.
Another prominent appointee is Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, Chief of Staff to the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, whose wealth of experience is expected to further strengthen the Commission’s leadership.
“With these distinguished individuals at the helm of the SEDC, President Tinubu has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing the challenges of the South-East region. His choice is nothing short of phenomenal,” Okwu remarked.
He expressed optimism that the establishment of the Commission would mark the beginning of a comprehensive rebuilding process in the South-East, addressing the region’s historical marginalization and fostering development.
“Over the years, the South-East has been vocal about the injustices it has faced, which fueled agitations for self-determination. President Tinubu’s proactive step in appointing a competent SEDC Board is a significant move towards addressing these grievances,” he added.
Okwu urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding for the Commission in the 2025 budget to meet the high expectations of the people.
“With sufficient resources, the SEDC will drive the much-anticipated transformation of the South-East. We remain optimistic that better days lie ahead for the region under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he concluded, pledging the continued support of Ndigbo for the administration.
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